Hand strengthening. Information for patients MSK Outpatients - Burns & Plastic Surgery (Therapy)

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Elinor Collins
5 years ago
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1 Hand strengthening Information for patients MSK Outpatients - Burns & Plastic Surgery (Therapy)

2 Introduction This booklet provides you with information on the strengthening exercises you have been advised to do. It is intended to be a guide and should be followed with the advice given by your therapist. By following the instructions / treatment advice given by your therapist, and in this booklet, you will increase the chances of having a successful outcome. However, it is important to be aware that this is not guaranteed and there is always a risk of complications which can sometimes affect the overall result. If you have any queries or concerns during your treatment, please don't hesitate to speak to your therapist. As with any form of treatment, we must seek your consent beforehand. Staff will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives, where relevant, before they ask for your consent. If you are unsure about any aspect of the therapy proposed, please do not hesitate to ask for more information. Your therapist is: Telephone number: Your therapist will guide you through this booklet and advise you when to start the exercises. When you start exercising it is not uncommon to experience pain, stiffness or increased swelling. If these symptoms persist please discuss with your therapist. page 2 of 12

What exercises should I do? It is advised that you perform the following exercises as explained by your therapist. Wash your hands before and after using the putty.

3 What exercises should I do? It is advised that you perform the following exercises as explained by your therapist. Wash your hands before and after using the putty. Your therapist will tick the exercises that are suitable for your recovery. Do the exercise as indicated in the box. Do of each exercise. Repeat times per day. Keep putty away from clothing as it may stain or stick. Also keep the putty away from small children and animals. Store the putty in the fridge in a container, unless advised otherwise, as this will make sure it maintains its resistance. 1. Gross finger flexion Make a ball of putty and place it in the palm of the hand. Bend your fingers around it, making a fist. Squeeze slowly until your fingers have sunk into the putty and cannot bend any further. 2. Finger extension page 3 of 12

Tip to tip pinch Roll putty into sausage and pinch using tip of your thumb and index finger.

4 Roll putty into a sausage shape and aim to keep your fingers straight whilst rolling putty gently forward and back. 3. Tip to tip pinch Roll putty into sausage and pinch using tip of your thumb and index finger. Squeeze until your fingers meet. Repeat with other fingers. Try to keep the tip of your thumb in a bent position making an 'O' shape with your finger. page 4 of 12

5 4. Lateral pinch Place a roll of putty between the side of the index finger and the tip of your thumb. Squeeze until your fingers and thumb meet. 5. Tripod pinch Place a roll of putty between your thumb and tips of your index and middle fingers. Squeeze until your fingers meet. page 5 of 12

Draw your fingers together toward the centre of the putty. 7.

6 Gross opposition 6. Shape putty into a pancake and stick it to a flat surface. Place your fingers and thumb lightly on the edge of the pancake. Draw your fingers together toward the centre of the putty. 7. Shape putty into a cone and stick the base to flat surface. Pull up on the cone, bringing thumb and straight fingers together. page 6 of 12

7 IPJ flexion 8. Make the putty into a sausage shape and place it across the bottom of your fingers. Bend your finger tips only to squeeze the putty. 9. Flatten the putty into a pancake, place your hand flat over the putty and rest your other hand on top. Start bending your finger tips keeping your palm on the putty and bend your fingertips as far as they can go. page 7 of 12

If this becomes too easy, stick the doughnut to the table. 11. Make a pancake with the putty.

8 Gross finger extension 10. Roll the putty into a tube and fasten ends together to form a doughnut. Place your thumb and fingers into hole and stretch your fingers outwards. If this becomes too easy, stick the doughnut to the table. 11. Make a pancake with the putty. Lay your hand palm down with your fingers curled into putty. Press your finger tips into putty and push putty away while uncurling your fingers. Individual finger extension page 8 of 12

If this is too easy with the putty try using an elastic band. Finger abduction 13.

9 12. Make a small coil of putty and fasten ends together to form a doughnut. Place the desired finger and thumb inside the doughnut. Stretch your finger away from thumb. If this is too easy with the putty try using an elastic band. Finger abduction 13. Place a ring of putty around your four fingers at the middle joint. Spread fingers apart, against the putty. Use elastic if this is too easy. Finger adduction page 9 of 12

14. Make a small ball of putty and place it in between your index and middle fingers at the

Repeat this between your middle and ring finger, then your ring and little fingers.

Push the tip of your thumb deep into the putty to touch your palm, and then lift out slowly.

10 14. Make a small ball of putty and place it in between your index and middle fingers at the base. Bring your fingers together, keeping them straight. Repeat this between your middle and ring finger, then your ring and little fingers. Thumb flexion and extension 15. A) Shape the putty into a cylinder. Push the tip of your thumb deep into the putty to touch your palm, and then lift out slowly. B) fold some of the putty over the back of your bent thumb tip and straighten your thumb back as much as possible against the putty. 16. Thumb extension page 10 of 12

11 Place the putty on the table. Lay your hand next to the putty with your thumb close to your palm. Push your thumb out from your palm into the putty. 17. Thumb abduction Place a ring of putty around the base of your fingers and the tip of your thumb. page 11 of 12

12 Keep your fingers straight and stretch your thumb away from your palm and toward you against the putty. Use an elastic band if this is too easy. Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working together we can help local patients feel even better To donate visit Registered Charity No Alternative formats can be available on request. Please Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2017 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. PD8580-PIL3627 v2 Issue Date: November Review Date: November 2019

THERAPUTTY ACTIVITIES

THERAPUTTY ACTIVITIES Theraputty activities will help to develop your hand strength and ability to control fine finger movements. Activities to be complete: (therapists to tick which activity you want